Kind People

This post is a slight deviation from the theme. I can’t think of a place for the letter ‘k’ and the only thing I can think of is ‘kind people’ so…

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), in profile, calling, Traverse City, Michigan. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Every where I’ve lived – on my travels in Canada and abroad – my life has been enriched by kind people.  If I work backwards, Brighton – where I currently live and am preparing to leave – has served up some of the kindest and most generous people I’ve ever met.  Yes, there have been difficulties, but besides keeping these posts to 500 words, I’m also dedicated to keeping them positive – it keeps my spirits up while preparing to move.

Staying positive also attracts good things.  If I made these posts about the troubles I’ve encountered on my journeys, that would only attract more trouble.  If you want to read about the housing crisis in Britain, read the Guardian!  or corporatewatch.org.  Both serve up the ugly side of things.  Corporate Watch published a whole issue on housing in the U.K. in their Autumn/Winter issue.  What they have to say is largely why I’m leaving the U.K.  Though am returning to Canada because I miss it!  I am truly homesick – I wrote about that for the letter C.  And also because I want to be with my mother in these coming years.

Here in Brighton, I’ve been given almost everything I could ask for, and the housing situation is such, that kindness has given me a bed when I would otherwise have landed sleeping in the rough.  I kid you not!

In Barcelona, the same thing.  Kind people gave me shelter when suddenly – and through no fault of my own, rather through circumstances beyond my control – I found myself with no where to sleep!

In Budapest, kind people helped me find flats.  In Montreal, kind people helped me move house, and others gave me accommodation while seeking a home, and others – my last landlord – offered to find me a flat if, and when, I ever return.

In Traverse City, Michigan kind people put me up while I looked for my own place, a kind person rented me an office, and a kind person rented me my first flat.

When I lived in Victoria, kind people helped me move home, gave me work, rented me rooms in their shared homes.

My life is full, and made easier by kind people.

Kindness is gift that can be given freely.  Please, show some kindness today.  You may change someone’s life – for the better.

Related articles

• Delaware, Dragon’s Dens and Dumps! (alisonamazed.wordpress.com)
• Brighthelmstone (reasonstobegrateful.wordpress.com)
• I’m From Brighton, UK. (pinkbananaworld.com)
• Be Kind to Those You Meet. @MadProgrammer Tells us WHY! (podiumproapp.wordpress.com)

Brighton: Wind and Waves in Little London by the Sea

There’s no doubt the seafront is Brighton’s greatest asset.  In the 2 and a 1/2 years I’ve lived here, I’ve been fortunate enough to always live within a few minutes walk, and really enjoy it.  It’s inspired some surprising poems.

There’s even a cycle path that goes along the sea from one side of town to the other: to Rottingdean and beyond in one direction, Shoreham and Worthing, the other.

I cycle on that path almost everyday,  in all kinds of weather, even when there’s a wretched wind.  Different weather creates different waves.  Each type of wave has its own unique shape and sound. Close contact with nature tells me I’m alive.

Many say the strong winds make the seafront inhospitable, and prefer a walk on the downs; or that the city’s vibrant nightlife, popular with stag and hen parties, is what makes Brighton a winner.  Geeks might say it’s the thriving digital community, with some sort of free meet-up almost every night of the week, where you can get together with others who share your passion for WordPress, UX, Drupal, Java, mobile – whatever – and talk about the latest tricks.  Brighton has something for every taste and personality.

To Brighton station. . . . (Photo credit: Elsie esq.)

Shoppers and foodies favor the Lanes, where you can find almost anything you want, and will recommend a visit to the alternative North Lanes, which is also home to a thriving outdoor market at the weekend.

Kemptown is known for its gay community that hosts an annual parade.  London Road is shabby chic, and home to the Cowley Club,  where you can eat cheap vegan meals and meet anarchists fighting for just about every left-wing cause going.

Book worms, poets and writers enjoy the literary scene, with some sort of reading almost every night of the week (albeit with charged admission, even for the poets who share their poems!)

Same goes for musicians: endless open mics where singer song writers can show off their latest (and oldest) numbers; jazz aficionados and wanna bees are satisfied with a variety of jazz jams (usually free entry), or can choose a free pub gig or ticketed concert.   There’s even a monthly experimental jam (Safehouse) where I enjoy singing.

Artists and actors take centre stage in the spring with the Brighton Festival, Artist Open Houses and The Fringe.

Even with all of that – it’s the sea that captivates me, day in and day out.  The water reflects the sky, taking on a range of colors that change according to temperature and blueness or greyness of day.

The warm April of 2007 packs Brighton beach (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On a calm, sunny day the sea is an iridescent sky blue, on a cloudy day it can be ash-green, blue-grey, cobalt, black, marine blue, sea green, olive – to name a few.  And when the sun sets, nature’s paint box splashes her palate across the sky, tossing the left overs onto the sea.  It’s mystical and inspiring.  It sings to me and whispers poems in my ears. It is why I’m here.

Related articles

• Brighton Sunny SpringDay (chrisbellinger.wordpress.com)
• The Daily Sketch: Summertime begins in Brighton (normsonline.wordpress.com)
• An evening in Brighton (fromthepigpen.wordpress.com)
• A guide to property in Brighton (frugallivingadvice.com)
• PM / Losers in London & Brighton (ycnim.co.uk)